Turkey's Roketsan, Azerbaijan Discuss Rocket Launcher Co-production

Feb. 25, 2014 - 01:01PM
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Roketsan is discussing co-production of rocket launchers with Azerbaijan. (Roketsan)

ANKARA — Turkish state-run missile specialist Roketsan is in talks with Azerbaijan to co-produce one or more of its 107mm and 122mm rocket launcher systems, procurement and companies officials said.

“We view Azerbaijan as a potential growing market for Turkish systems,” said one procurement official in charge of defense industry exports. “Roketsan lately has been in successful talks with Azeri authorities for the sale of its rocket launcher systems.”

A Roketsan official said that the company expects to pen a deal soon for one or more of its rocket launcher systems in the 107mm and 122mm family.

“We are discussing joint production of our systems at an Azeri plant,” the official said. He said Roketsan has been in talks for that deal since 2008.

Roketsan’s T-107/122, is a vehicle-mounted, multi-barrel rocket launcher system, which can launch both 107mm and 122mm rockets, with high mobility and high firing speed. It provides 107mm and 122mm rockets and full fire support to light and swift units.

The T-122 multi-launch rocket system (MLRS) is an advanced MLRS with modern subsystems to provide lethal mass fires in support of maneuvering forces. The T-122 MLRS is able to fulfill its mission autonomously. The Turkish system has the NATO stock number and is in the Turkish armed forces’ inventory.

The towed T-107 MLRS is a close-range, intensive-fire support weapon for alpine and commando units. The system can be mounted on very small and swift vehicles, and provides fire support for small and rapidly moving units. ■